Starting a Consortium

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These steps will help Neighborhood Networks centers launch a local consortium:

	Meet with key players. A consortium should include community members, Neighborhood Networks center staff, property owners and managers, residents, and potential funding partners.
	Hold a "vision meeting." Gather key members to brainstorm about the possibilities for Neighborhood Networks centers and identify how the consortium can help centers secure resources.
	Establish a steering committee. The steering committee can develop a strategic plan, create working committees for specific projects, help the consortium secure nonprofit status, and devote funding and current staff time to maintain the consortium.
	Get to work. Once established, a consortium should implement its strategic plan, which may include obtaining nonprofit status and recruiting new centers and partners.
	Seek HUD's support. HUD offers resources aimed at sustaining and strengthening consortia, such as technical assistance and the publication of funding opportunities.